1st XI vs Wokingham

Kwatsha's Five-Wicket Haul Not Enough as Wokingham Edge Past Sonning

Wokingham 2nd XI secured a hard-fought victory over Sonning 1st XI at Wokingham Cricket Club on Saturday, chasing down a target of 186 with two wickets to spare in their Division 2B league encounter.

Having won the toss and elected to field, Wokingham's decision initially appeared questionable as Sonning captain Peter Higginbottom led from the front with a composed 59 off 105 deliveries. Higginbottom's innings, featuring 11 boundaries, provided the backbone of Sonning's total after early setbacks saw them reduced to 18-2 with Mannu Rawat (1) and Connor Wardlaw (0) departing cheaply.

Higginbottom found solid support in Zanoxolo Gift Kwatsha, who contributed a brisk 28 from 34 balls as the pair added 54 for the fourth wicket. Robert Jones provided late impetus with an unbeaten 30, while Michael Longridge's quickfire 18 not out helped Sonning reach 185-7 from their allotted 52 overs.

For the hosts, Jarrett Bobb and Hunter Pogson were the pick of the bowlers, claiming two wickets apiece, while Paul Dewick and Ryan Pogson chipped in with one wicket each in a disciplined bowling display.

In reply, Wokingham's Hanson Martin anchored the chase with a patient 51 from 111 deliveries. Despite losing Tassawar Nawaz (12) and Mac Dsouza (9) early, Martin combined with Jayden Barson to build a match-defining 80-run partnership for the third wicket. Barson's aggressive 52 off 67 balls, including nine boundaries, shifted momentum firmly in Wokingham's favor.

Sonning fought back valiantly through Kwatsha, who produced a remarkable bowling performance to claim 5-44 from his 15 overs. His dismissal of Ryan Pogson completed his five-wicket haul and reduced Wokingham to 170-8, creating a tense finale.

However, Jack Fisher's composed 26 not out, including one six, guided Wokingham home with unbeaten support from Hunter Pogson (5 not out). The hosts reached their target in the 48th over, securing a valuable league win despite Sonning's spirited effort with the ball.